2021 Lexus RX vs 2021 INFINITI QX80

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 showcased a blend of Nissan Armada and Infiniti design elements, with its body-on-frame construction reminiscent of traditional SUVs. Its exterior featured a distinctive roofline and rear window curve, along with front fender vents. The front end, however, was purely Infiniti, with a grille and headlight design that gave it an assertive yet not overly aggressive look. The QX80 came standard with LED lighting and offered 20-inch wheels on the base model, with larger 22-inch wheels on higher trims. Inside, the QX80's design closely mirrored the Armada, with wood trim and leather upholstery adding a touch of luxury, though some elements like the foot-operated parking brake felt less premium.

The 2021 Lexus RX embodied modern Lexus design with its large grille, angular headlamps, and floating roof. It was available in five variants, including the RX, RX F Sport, RXL, RX Hybrid, and RXL Hybrid, each offering different configurations and features. The RX maintained its 2020 design updates, which included elongated headlights and a refined front end. Standard features included 18-inch wheels and LED lighting, with options for larger wheels and additional exterior upgrades. Inside, the RX offered a well-appointed interior with standard features like NuLuxe-trimmed seats and power-adjustable front seats, while higher trims added luxury touches like semi-aniline leather and heated seats. The center console design, however, was criticized for its dated appearance.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 was powered by a 5.6-liter V8 engine producing 400 horsepower and 413 pound-feet of torque, paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. It offered rear-wheel drive as standard, with four-wheel drive available as an option. The QX80's engine was responsive, though the transmission shifts were not as smooth as expected. Its body-on-frame construction provided a comfortable ride, aided by independent suspension and Hydraulic Body Motion Control on Sensory models. However, the QX80 struggled with body roll in corners and was not designed for aggressive driving. It excelled in towing, with a capacity of 8,500 pounds, and offered off-road capabilities, though its size and wheel options limited its off-road prowess.

The 2021 Lexus RX featured a 3.5-liter V6 engine delivering 295 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque, with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The RX Hybrid models combined a V6 with electric motors for a total of 308 horsepower. The RX offered front-wheel drive as standard, with all-wheel drive available. It was fuel-efficient, with the RX 350 achieving up to 23 mpg combined. The RX's suspension and handling were improved for 2020, providing a dynamic driving experience with some body roll at higher speeds. The F Sport Handling package added adaptive suspension and sportier features. The RX was limited to a top speed of 124 mph and accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in around 7.7 to 7.9 seconds, depending on the model.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 offered a three-row seating configuration, with standard seven-seat capacity and an optional eight-seat layout. The front seats were power-adjustable, though they lacked thigh support. Passenger space was competitive, with ample room in all three rows, though cargo space was limited compared to rivals. The QX80 provided 16.6 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats up, expanding to 95.1 cubic feet with the second and third rows folded. The center console offered limited storage, and the front-door cupholders were not well-designed for holding drinks.

The 2021 Lexus RX was available in two- and three-row configurations, seating five in the RX 350 and RX F Sport, and up to seven in the RXL models. Front and second-row seating was spacious, but the third row was cramped. Cargo space was limited, with 18.4 cubic feet behind the second row in the two-row models, expanding to 56.3 cubic feet with seats folded. The three-row RX offered just 7.5 cubic feet behind the third row, with a maximum of 58.5 cubic feet with all seats folded. A power liftgate was standard, with a hands-free option available.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 featured the Infiniti InTouch dual-screen infotainment system with 8.0-inch and 7.0-inch touchscreens, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. A 13-speaker Bose audio system was standard, with an optional 17-speaker system. The system included analog controls, but the user interface was not intuitive. The Smart Rearview Mirror and Around View Monitor provided additional driving assistance.

The 2021 Lexus RX came with an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. Upgrades included a 12.3-inch screen, wireless charging, and a 15-speaker Mark Levinson system. The Remote Touch controller was available, though it was not as refined as competitors' systems. The RX lacked wireless smartphone integration, which may be a drawback for some buyers.

The 2021 INFINITI QX80 received a four-star overall safety rating from the NHTSA, with standard safety features like adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and automatic emergency braking. The IIHS did not test the QX80.

The 2021 Lexus RX earned the IIHS Top Safety Pick designation, with Good marks in crashworthiness tests. The NHTSA rated the RX 350, RX 350L, and RX 450h with four stars overall. Standard safety features included a rearview camera, 10 airbags, and the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 suite, which offered a range of driver-assist technologies.